Zanzibar International Airport

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is the main aerial gateway to the paradise archipelago in Tanzania. It is here that your acquaintance with the exotic island, its white sandy beaches, and rich culture begins. Named after the first president of Zanzibar, the airport has undergone significant modernization, transforming from a modest airfield into a modern transport hub ready to welcome travellers from all over the world. This is the first and last point of your unforgettable journey, a place where the anticipation of adventure gives way to warm memories of your holiday.

The airport consists of several terminals. Terminal 3, opened in 2021, serves all international flights and offers passengers a modern level of comfort. The older Terminal 2 is used for domestic flights, connecting Zanzibar with the Tanzanian mainland and neighbouring islands. Despite its relatively compact size, the airport possesses everything necessary for travellers: there are currency exchange counters, car rental desks, souvenir shops, and several cafes. One of the key features is the ability to obtain a visa on arrival, which significantly simplifies trip planning for citizens of many countries.

Below you will find contact information for Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), which may be useful when planning your trip.

• Official Website: www.zaa.go.tz. On the Zanzibar Airports Authority website, you can find general information, news, and contacts.
• Help Desk Phone: +255 24 2233979. Recommended for clarifying real-time information about flights and airport services.
• Address: Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, Zanzibar, Tanzania.
• Email: info@zaa.go.tz. Suitable for general enquiries that do not require an immediate response.
• Lost & Found Information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, you should primarily contact your airline's representative office at the airport directly. The air carrier is responsible for checked baggage.
• Social Media: At this moment, the airport does not have actively maintained and verified pages on popular social networks. Please use the official website for reliable information.
• Passenger Support Service: To receive assistance and answers to general questions, you may use the main help desk phone number or the airport's email address.

Getting to Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) from Zanzibar City, the capital of the eponymous archipelago in Tanzania, is quite simple. The airport is located just 8 kilometres south of Stone Town, and there are several ways to cover this distance, suitable for any budget and travel style.

Taxi or Pre-booked Transfer

This is the most popular, fastest, and most comfortable way to get to the airport. A trip from the historical centre, Stone Town, will take about 15–30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Taxis can be found everywhere; however, be sure to negotiate the fare in advance, as most cars are not equipped with meters. The approximate price is 15–20 US Dollars. Many hotels also offer transfer services, which is a reliable and convenient option, especially if you have a lot of luggage.

Public Transport — Dala-dala Buses

If you are looking for a budget option and are ready for a small adventure, use the local minibuses known as dala-dala. This is the cheapest mode of transport, allowing you to immerse yourself in the daily life of the island. Look for route No. 505, which departs from the Darajani Market in Stone Town towards the airport. The fare is symbolic, but be prepared for the bus to be crowded, and the journey will take longer — about 40–60 minutes due to numerous stops. This option is best suited for travellers with light luggage and without strict time constraints.

Car Rental and Airport Parking

Renting a car offers maximum freedom to explore the island. In Zanzibar City, there are both local and international rental agencies. To rent, you will likely need not only an international driving permit but also a temporary local permit (the rental company usually helps arrange this). Please remember that traffic on the island is on the left-hand side. If you arrive at the airport in a rented or private car, parking is available directly at the terminal. It is suitable for both short-term and long-term parking.

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) consists of two main passenger terminals, which differ radically in terms of comfort and purpose. Understanding their structure will help you navigate better upon arrival and before departure.

Terminal 2 (Old Terminal): This is the old airport building, which currently serves predominantly domestic flights — for example, to Arusha, Dar es Salaam, and other cities in Tanzania. It is significantly smaller than the new one, with simpler infrastructure. Procedures here are faster due to lower passenger traffic, but amenities are minimal.

Terminal 3 (New Terminal): A modern and spacious terminal opened in 2021, serving all international flights. It is designed according to a standard layout: the ground floor is designated for the arrivals area, and the first floor for the departures area. This is where you will arrive when flying to Zanzibar from abroad, and from where you will depart to fly home.

Layout and Navigation:

Both terminals are separate buildings located in close proximity to each other. The distance between them can be covered on foot in 5-7 minutes. In the new Terminal 3, navigation is intuitive thanks to signs in English and Swahili. Upon arrival, passengers first enter the visa hall (if a visa on arrival is required), then proceed through passport control, collect baggage, and pass through customs inspection. The departure area on the first floor includes check-in counters, security checkpoints, and passport control, after which passengers enter the general waiting area with boarding gates.

Processing Time and Recommendations:

Despite the modernity of the new terminal, be prepared for a leisurely pace of service. Completing all formalities (especially obtaining a visa on arrival and passport control) may take from 40 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the number of simultaneously arriving flights. Before departure, it is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance — at least 3 hours before an international flight. The check-in and pre-flight security process may also take longer than expected. Keep all documents handy to speed up the process, and follow the signs carefully — it is difficult to get lost in the airport.

The history of Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ), officially known as Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, is closely linked to the development of Zanzibar as one of the main tourist destinations in East Africa. The original airfield, known as Kisauni Airport, was built in the 1950s during the British protectorate era. At that time, it was a modest airstrip serving mainly small aircraft and regional flights.

After the Zanzibar Revolution of 1964 and the subsequent union with Tanganyika to form modern Tanzania, the airport acquired new strategic importance. However, it received a real impetus for development with the growth of tourist traffic in the late 20th century. Realizing that the old infrastructure could not cope with the influx of travellers, the government initiated large-scale projects to modernize the island's air gateway.

A key stage in the airport's recent history was its complete reconstruction. In 2010, it was officially renamed in honour of Zanzibar's first president, Abeid Amani Karume. The most significant event was the construction and opening of the new, modern Terminal 3, which was officially commissioned in 2020-2021. This project, which also included extending the runway, allowed the airport to receive large long-haul liners from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Thanks to this, the airport's capacity has increased several times over, making travel to Zanzibar City and the entire archipelago much more comfortable.

An interesting fact: the old terminal (Terminal 2) still serves domestic flights, and travellers arriving from the mainland part of Tanzania can see a striking contrast between it and the new international terminal. Today, Zanzibar Airport is not just a transport hub, but a symbol of the island's transformation into a modern and hospitable world-class tourist centre.

Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ), especially its new Terminal 3, offers passengers a range of modern services for a comfortable journey. Before departure, you can visit cafes and restaurants offering both local and international dishes. In the departure area, there are Duty Free shops where you can purchase perfumes, alcohol, and chocolate, as well as souvenir stalls with handmade crafts and the famous spices for which the archipelago and all of Tanzania are renowned.

For passengers who value enhanced comfort, VIP lounges operate at the airport. Access to them is provided to premium class passengers or for an additional fee. Here you can relax in silence and enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and the waiting lounges have special counters and sockets for charging mobile phones and other gadgets.

In the terminal, you will easily find currency exchange bureaux and ATMs for withdrawing cash. In case of unforeseen health situations, a medical station functions at the airport, where first aid can be provided.

The airport is equipped for the convenience of all categories of passengers. For travellers with reduced mobility, ramps, elevators, and specially equipped restrooms are provided. Airlines provide escort services upon prior request. Families with small children can use the mother and child room to care for their baby in a quiet environment.

There are no hotels directly on the airport territory, but many hotels and guesthouses for every budget are located within a few minutes' drive, which is convenient for early departures or late arrivals in Zanzibar City. Specialized conference halls are absent, but basic business services, such as workspaces and internet access, are usually available in the VIP lounges.

Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ), particularly its new international Terminal 3, offers passengers several good options for a snack or a full meal. Most dining establishments are located in the departure area, after passing passport control and security (airside), allowing you to spend time comfortably while waiting for your flight. The selection in Terminal 3 is significantly more diverse than in the old terminal, which serves domestic flights.

For a quick snack and a cup of aromatic local coffee, a branch of the famous Zanzibar Coffee House is perfect. Here you can order sandwiches, fresh pastries, and desserts. If you have time for a full meal, several cafes and a small food court serving hot dishes operate in the departure area. The menu features both international options like pizza and burgers, as well as simple but hearty local dishes, such as rice with chicken curry.

While in Zanzibar, do not miss the opportunity to enjoy its exotic flavours until the very last minute. We strongly recommend trying freshly squeezed juices from tropical fruits — mango, passion fruit, pineapple. This is a wonderful way to refresh yourself and preserve bright memories of your holiday. Also, on the menus of many cafes, you can find traditional snacks, such as samosas, which are convenient to take on board if allowed by your airline's regulations.

Regarding special dietary needs, most local cuisine dishes are prepared in accordance with Halal standards. For vegetarians, options such as vegetable curry or rice with vegetables are usually available. It may be more difficult with gluten-free and vegan options, so it is better to clarify the ingredients with the staff in advance. The price range at the airport is expectedly higher than in the city but corresponds to the average level for international airports. Most establishments operate according to the flight schedule, including early morning and late evening departures.

Travelling through Zanzibar International Airport, the gateway to the paradise island in Tanzania, will be much more pleasant if you know a few local specifics. Here are useful tips that will help you save time, nerves, and money during your adventure in Zanzibar City.

Arrival Time at the Airport. Abeid Amani Karume Airport can be quite busy, especially during the high tourist season. To avoid rushing, we recommend arriving at least 3 hours before departure for international flights and 2 hours before domestic ones. This will give you enough time to calmly complete all formalities, which may take longer here than in major global hubs.

Check-in and Security. Keep all documents handy: your passport, printed electronic visa confirmation, and flight tickets. Procedures may seem leisurely, so have patience. Sometimes multiple security checks may be required, including luggage scanning at the terminal entrance and before boarding. Online check-in, if available with your airline, will help save time.

Hand Luggage and Customs. Remember an important rule: the import of plastic bags is prohibited in Tanzania. Ensure there are none in your luggage to avoid fines. Standard international restrictions on carrying liquids (up to 100 ml per container) apply to hand luggage. It is strictly forbidden to export corals, large sea shells, and ivory products — this is strictly monitored at customs control upon departure.

Seat Selection and Transfers. If you want to enjoy stunning views of the turquoise ocean and the island, choose a window seat. For greater comfort on long flights, an aisle seat is suitable. If you have a connecting flight, allow plenty of time for it. The airport is not a major transit hub, and you may need to collect and re-check your luggage yourself.

Savings and Useful Details. Book a transfer from the airport to your hotel in advance — a taxi on the spot can cost significantly more. Although US Dollars are accepted in many tourist places, it is better to have some Tanzanian Shillings with you for small expenses at the airport (water, snacks). Prices for food and drinks in the terminal are quite high, so grab a bite beforehand if possible.

In Case of Flight Delay. In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, immediately contact your airline representative. Clarify your rights regarding the provision of drinks, meals, or hotel accommodation. There is not much entertainment at the airport, so in case of a long wait, it is useful to have a charged power bank, a book, or films downloaded to your device.